Mitosis

Let's Split!

Mitosis

Let's Split!

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is division of cell to fill a gap where another cell has died. The daughter cell has the same amount and kind of chromosomes as the mother cell does.

The Stages of Mitosis

Prophase: During prophase in mitosis, the nuclear membrane breaks down and chromatin condenses. During prophase one of meiosis, the chromosomes group together and crossing over occurs. During prophase two, the chromosomes condense and are attached to spindle fibers where they can be moved.

Metaphase: During metaphase, the cell's chromosomes align themselves in the middle of the cell through a type of cellular "tug of war."

Anaphase: Anaphase begins when the duplicated centromeres of each pair of sister chromatids separate, and the now-daughter chromosomes begin moving toward opposite poles of the cell due to the action of the spindle.

Telophase: Telophase begins once the replicated, paired chromosomes have been separated and pulled to opposite sides, or poles, of the cell.

Why Mitosis Is Important

Mitosis is important because it produces new cells, and replaces cells that are old, lost or damaged. In mitosisa cell divides to form two identical daughter cells.